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Change Author template in Android Studio

java
template-engineering
best-practices
file-templates
Alex KataevbyAlex Kataev·Feb 1, 2025
TLDR

Modify your author information in Android Studio following this path: Editor > File and Code Templates > Includes > File Header. In here, assign your name in the template field ${USER}:

/** * Created by YourName on ${DATE}. */

Save the modifications to personify each new file you create.

How to hard code your name

To enforce ${USER} to display your chosen name irrespective of the system's username, place a #set() function at the beginning of your File Header:

#set( $USER = "YourName" )

And voila, the author comment will display your desired name, let's just hope it's not "Admin"!

Additional personal details

Shoot for the stars and infuse some extra personalized details using #set() :

#set( $USER = "YourName" ) #set( $COMPANY = "YourMegaCorp" ) #set( $EMAIL = "[email protected]" )

Congratulations, your future classes now come with free advertising!

Username discrepancies

If ${USER} fetches wrong username, troubleshoot:

  1. Hard-code your author details using #set() if your development environment is consistent.
  2. Update Windows username if the culprit is an incorrect OS username.

Creative use of template variables

Boost your flair by invoking other template variables:

  • ${PROJECT_NAME} for project context.
  • ${NAME} for the name of the new file.
  • Date and time placeholders like $DATE and $TIME.

Consider this a practical setup:

/** * Created by YourName * Project: ${PROJECT_NAME} * Date: ${DATE} * Time: ${TIME} */

Your autograph now comes with extra timestamps and contextual info. Eat your heart out, J.K. Rowling!

Quick access to settings

Refine your workflow with shortcuts:

  • Ctrl+Alt+S (or Cmd+, on Mac) launches settings.
  • The search box swiftly accesses "File and Code Templates".

Save time, more time to debate tab vs spaces!

Avoiding common problematic scenarios

Prevent these pitfalls with strategic thinking:

  • Collaborative environments: consider if another user creates a file.
  • Multiple machines/accounts: ensure your template works across different contexts.

Think of #set() functions as a flexible assistant rather than a dictator. Always room for a second cup of coffee! ☕